Dual motor propulsion and steering control system

ABSTRACT

A propulsion and steering control system for a fishing boat wherein a pair of reversible electric motors are mounted in a fixed angular relationship to each other of from approximately 30° to 120° as defined between the respective axes of rotation of the propellers of such motors. A control device is provided which, in a preferred embodiment, is a substantially flat, foot-actuated pivotally mounted plate which can be rocked in a fore or aft direction as well as a right or left direction for actuating appropriate switches which enable the operator to selectively and independently produce a forward or reverse thrust with any one or both of the angularly oriented motors, thereby enabling the operator to achieve a desired propulsion and steering control for the fishing boat while maintaining the motors in the fixed relationship to each other and without requiring turning of either of the motors.

BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to motors for fishing boats and, moreparticularly, to an improved dual motor propulsion and steering controlsystem. In this regard, an important embodiment of the present inventionis directed to an assembly wherein a pair of reversible electric motorsare mounted to a common support in a fixed angular relationship to eachother and selectively and independently regulated by foot-actuatedcontrols operatively associated therewith.

Recently, it has become increasingly popular to use one or more batteryoperated electric motors for propelling a fishing boat at relativelyslow speeds for trolling or slow movement while casting. These systemsare particularly suited for bass fishing and can be advantageously usedas auxiliary power systems in addition to a more powerful outboard motorwhen silent slow speeds are desired.

While many such electric motor systems of this general type have beenproposed, some of which being commercially available today, all of theseprior art systems are characterized by inadequacies and disadvantageswhich render them less than fully satisfactory for their intendedpurpose.

One disadvantage of some of these electric motor control systems is thatthey are completely hand operated, that is, both the steering and speedcontrol functions thereof are accomplished by use of the hands of theoperator of the boat. In order to control the direction of travel, thesingle motor thereof must be manually rotated in the manner of theoperation of a boat tiller, while the speed is controlled by a handoperated switch or rheostat. As is apparent, this type of trolling motorsystem significantly reduces the available time that the operator hasfor fishing since both of his hands must be occupied in connection withthe operation of the motor for a consideration portion of the time.

Efforts to overcome the disadvantages of the foregoing system haveessentially concerned themselves with the use of foot pedal steeringdevices. In these arrangements, a foot pedal is normally pivoted on abase plate which rests on the bottom of the fishing boat and isconnected with the trolling motor steering or turning mechanism by acable or lever arrangement whereby an up-down or pivotal action of thefoot pedal steers the boat. For example, a heel-down, toe-up motion ofthe foot may be required to turn the boat in one direction with aheel-up, toe-down motion of the foot then being required to turn theboat in the opposite direction. Since steering is perhaps the most timeconsuming portion of the operation of such a low speed electric motor,the foot pedal steering mechanism does free the fisherman's hands mostof the time, however, control of motor speed therewith is stillaccomplished by hand controls. Additionally, these foot pedal steeringsystems require substantial pedal travel in order to effect adequatesteering control, thereby necessitating that at least a portion of thepedal be substantially elevated and resulting in the pedal device itselfbeing, at the very least, awkward to use.

Other systems for effecting relatively low speed propulsion and steeringcontrol have concerned themselves with the use of dual electric motors.These prior art systems, however, are characterized by the provision ofparallel oriented motors. As such, these systems necessitate that themotors themselves be spaced apart a substantial distance and usuallyrequiring that they be located at the mid-boat portion along the outersides thereof wherein they restrict the locations in which the boat cantravel due to possible interference with vegetation, rocks and the like.Moreover, these systems necessitate the use of two separate motorsupport brackets which not only add to the expense and complexity ofsuch systems, but also reduce the available fishing time of the operatorthereof since they often must be individually raised and lowered duringa given day of fishing. Additionally, in view of the fact that theseparticular systems require that the motors be mounted in widespaced-apart relationship to each other, the mountin thereof in anefficient and out-of-the-way location such as, for example, at the prowor center of the stern of the boat is virtually precluded.

Speed control or variation is important with all of these systems sincethe operator usually desires to have very low speeds when he is trollingor casting, however, that operator will require abrupt substantialincreases in speed when, for example, a heavy, gusty wind urges the boatto an undesired location or he desires to travel to another fishing spotrelatively remotely located from the spot he has fully worked. Whilecertain of the foot pedal steering systems described above have includedspeed control systems which can be foot-actuated, these devices havebeen characterized by awkwardness of use and/or undue complexity,thereby rendering them less than fully satisfactory.

The foregoing problems and disadvantages of the prior art have beenovercome by the novel propulsion and steering control system of thepresent invention which generally includes a pair of reversible electricmotors which are mounted in a fixed angular relationship to each otherof from approximately 30° to 120°, as defined between the respectiveaxes of rotation of the motor propellers. A control means is providedwhich, in a preferred embodiment, is a foot-actuated pivotally mountedplate which, with a minimum of movement, can be rocked in a fore or aftdirection as well as right or left direction to actuate the appropriateswitches which will achieve the desired propulsion and/or steeringeffect. Variable speed control of the motors is achieved through the useof a control circuit which includes first and second operating modeswhich can be selectively activated by means of a simple button switchlocated adjacent the foot-actuated pivotally mounted plate. In thisarrangement, the first operating mode enables the motors to be given ata selectively variable operator preset reduced speed and the secondoperating mode enables the motors to be driven at a maximum speed,whereby a quick speed change can be effected without requiring handoperation, thereby providing the operation with improved speed andsteering control of the fishing boat and permitting him to have bothhands free at all times for fishing purposes.

It is, therefore, an important object of the present invention toprovide an improved propulsion and steering control system for a fishingboat.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedpropulsion and steering control system which does not require motorrotation in order to achieve steering control in a fishing boat equippedtherewith.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedpropulsion and steering control system for a fishing boat which utilizesdual reversible electric motors which can be mounted at any desiredlocation in a fishing boat and which, in particular, can beadvantageously positioned at the prow or mid-stern portions of the boat.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedcontrol means for dual electric motors which utilizes a plate contouredto fit the operator's shoe and which requires very little movement inorder to achieve the required switch actuation for a pair of electricmotors associated therewith which will effect the desired propulsion andsteering thrust from said motors.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved speedcontrol unit for a dual electric motor control system which enables anoperator to quickly shift from a selectively variable preset relativelylow speed to a substantially increased full speed by merely depressing aconveniently located button switch.

These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent fromthe following detailed description thereof wherein identical numeralshave been used throughout to designate like parts and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view with portions thereof removed of a dualmotor and control unit assembly embodying features of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating the motor orientation of the assemblyshown in FIG. 1 taken along the section line 2--2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the control unit shown in FIG. 1 takenalong the line 3--3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view of the control unit shown in FIG.1 taken along the line 4--4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a detailed plan view of the control unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary elevational view illustrating a fishing boatequipped at the prow thereof with a motor support bracket and theassembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view of the control unit shown in FIG.5 taken along the line 7--7 of the FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view of the control unit shown in FIG.5 taken along the line 8--8 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of a suitable control circuit which may beused in the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a fishing boat illustrating the dual motor andcontrol unit assembly of the present invention mounted adjacent the prowthereof and also illustrating in phantom other suitable locations forsuch assembly;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary perspective view of another embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of a further embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a modified control unit of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the control unit shown in FIG. 13 takenalong the line 14--14 of FIG. 13.

Referring to the drawings and with particular reference to FIG. 1, thereference numeral 10 generally designates a dual motor and control unitassembly embodying features of the present invention. As shown, theassembly 10 includes a pair of reversible electric motors 11 and 12which are fixed to a spacer block 13 which, in turn, is mounted to oneend of a shaft 14. In the illustrated embodiment, shaft 14 is of atubular construction enabling electrical wires 15 to pass therethroughand out of the opposite end of the shaft 14. Wires 15 are connected to acontrol unit 16 which includes a plate member 17 shaped to snuglyreceive an operator's shoe (not shown), a variable speed selectorpotentiometer control 18 and a button type switch 19 which, as will bedescribed more fully below, enables an operator to drive the motors 11and 12 at a selectively variable preset reduced speed established by thepotentiometer control 18 or at a maximum speed as desired. An electricalline 20 operatively connects the system to a suitable power supply suchas, for example, one or more conventional lead acid-type storagebatteries.

It will be appreciated that motors 11 and 12 can be of any suitable sizeand type such as, for example, the 6, 12 and 24 volt variety commonlyavailable on the market today. The voltage requirements of the batterieswill, of course, determine the number and size of the storage batteriesemployed. It will further be appreciated that the shaft 14 representsone form of a motor support bracket which can be used but that thepresent invention is not limited to any particular motor support bracketconstruction and that equivalent bracket supports will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. The shaft 14 in this illustrated embodiment isshown to include a pair of slidable sleeve members 21 and 22, the latterwhich is restricted in its axial movement by a pair of spaced apartcollars 23 and 24 fixed at specific locations along the shaft 14 byappropriate set screws 25 and 26.

In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention and asbest depicted in FIG. 2, the reversible electric motors 11 and 12 aremounted in a fixed angular relationship to each other which, as definedby and between the axes of rotation 27 and 28 of the motors 11 and 12,respectively, ranges from approximately 30° to 120° and which preferablyis an angle of approximately 60°. This specific angular relationship isessential to the present invention in that it affords satisfactoryforward thrust and, at the same time, satisfactory lateral control orsteering ability. The preferred angular relationship of approximately60° represents the most effective combination of forward thrust andsteering control and is particularly suitable for use wherein theassembly 10 is mounted adjacent the prow or midstern portions of afishing boat.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8, the control unit 16 is shown toinclude a housing 29 which is supported upon a base 30 which is adaptedto fit on the boat bottom. The use of flexible electrical lines 15 and20 enables an operator to position the control unit at any convenientlocation in the boat from which he can conduct his fishing operation. Asshown, a central support 31 is mounted on top of the base 30 andincludes a socket 32 which is adapted to rockably receive a pivot point33 integrally formed with and on the underside of plate member 17. Thecorner portions of the undersurface of plate 17 include four downwardlyextending switch actuating contact members 34, 35, 36 and 37 whichrespectively are adapted to actuate four foot switches 38, 39, 40 and41. As is more fully described in conjunction with the circuit shown inFIG. 9, actuation of foot switch 38 results in the production of aforward thrust from the right motor 12, actuation of foot switch 39results in the production of a forward thrust from the left motor 11,actuation of foot switch 40 results in the production of reverse thrustfrom the left motor 11, and actuation of foot switch 41 results in theproduction of reverse thrust from the right motor 12.

An advantageous feature of the control unit 16 is that it requiresrelatively little movement of the plate member 17 in order to achievethe required switch actuation which will produce the desired propulsionand steering thrust from the motors. As shown, plate member 17 can berocked about the pivot point 33 in a fore or aft direction as well as aright or left direction, enabling an operator to selectively actuate oneor two switches. In particular, rocking of the plate member 17 forwardlyenables the operator to selectively actuate one or both of foot switches38 and 39 and rocking of the plate member 17 rearwardly enables theoperator to selectively actuate one or both of the foot switches 40 and41. Plate member 17 is, in the illustrated embodiment, biased into agenerally horizontal position by means of a resilient bushing 42 whichis mounted around a shaft 43 integrally formed with the plate member 17and secured thereto by means of a retainer nut 44.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the shaft 14 is depicted in a service positionwith the electric motors 11 and 12 submerged below the water surface inposition to propel the boat 45 in the direction desired by the operator.As shown, mounting ears 46 and 47 secured to the boat 45 arerespectively connected to slidable sleeves 21 and 22 through a pair oflink members 48 and 49. As will be apparent, the motors 11 and 12 can bereadily moved into a storage position in which the shaft 14 will be ingenerally parallel relationship with the upper surface of the boat 45.It should be appreciated, however, that the motor mount support depictedin FIG. 6 is merely illustrative of one form of such support and thatsuitable equivalent substitutes therefor will be apparent to thoseskilled in this art.

Referring to the electrical circuit shown in FIG. 9, operating power isobtained for the propeller drive motors 11 and 12 from a storage battery51 which may, for example, comprise a conventional lead acid-type 12volt automotive battery. The output terminals of this battery areconnected by flexible leads to control unit 16, which it will berecalled contains the four operator-actuated foot switches 38, 39, 40and 41.

Within control unit 16 the positive-polarity terminal of battery 51 isconnected through a fuse 52 to the arm 53 of one section of the LEFTMOTOR REVERSE switch 40. The normally open contact to this switchsection is connected to one input terminal 54 of the left motor 11. Thenormally closed contact associated with arm 55 is connected to the arm56 of one section of the LEFT MOTOR FORWARD switch 39. The normallyclosed contact of this switch section is not connected and the normallyopen contact is connected to the other input terminal 57 of motor 11.

The positive-polarity terminal of battery 51 is also connected throughfuse 52 to the arm 58 of one section of the RIGHT MOTOR REVERSE switch41. The normally open contact of this switch section is connected to oneinput terminal 59 of the right motor 12. The normally closed contactassociated with arm 58 is connected to the arm 60 of one section of theRIGHT MOTOR FORWARD switch 38. The normally closed contact of thisswitch section is not connected and the normally open contact isconnected to the other input terminal 61 of motor 12.

The negative-polarity terminal of battery 51 is connected to the arm ofa three-position OFF-PRESET-FAST function selector switch 19. The OFFterminal of switch R is not connected, the PRESET terminal is connectedto one end terminal and to the arm of a SPEED PRESET potentiometer 18,and the FAST terminal is connected to the other end terminal of thepotentiometer. This end terminal is also connected to the arm 62 of asecond switch section of the LEFT MOTOR REVERSE switch 40. The normallyopen contact associated with arm 62 is connected to terminal 63 of motor11 and the normally closed contact is connected to the arm 64 of asecond switch section of the LEFT MOTOR FORWARD switch 39. The normallyopen contact of this switch section is not connected and the normallyclosed contact is connected to terminal 54 of motor 11.

The other end terminal of SPEED PRESET potentiometer 18 is connected tothe arm 65 of a second section of the RIGHT MOTOR REVERSE switch 41. Thenormally open contact associated with arm 65 is connected to inputterminal 61 of motor 12, and the normally closed contact is connected tothe arm 66 of a second section of the RIGHT MOTOR FORWARD switch 38. Thenormally closed contact of this switch section is not connected and thenormally open contact is connected to input terminal 59 of motor 12.

In operation, mode selector switch 19 is positioned by the operator ineither the PRESET position for slow speed operation, as when trolling,or in the FAST position for higher speed operation, as when moving fromone fishing location to another. The operator then depresses one or moreof the four motor control foot switches 38, 39, 40 and 41 to operatemotors 11 and 12 to drive the boat is a desired direction. For example,to turn the boat right the left motor 11 is operated in a forwarddirection by depressing foot switch 39. This establishes a circuit fromthe positive terminal of battery 51 through fuse 52, arm 55 of switch40, and arm 56 of switch 39 to the input terminal 63 of drive motor 11.At the same time, a circuit is also established from the negativeterminal of battery 51 through switch 19, potentiometer 18, arm 62 ofswitch 40, and arm 64 of switch 39 to the input terminal 54 of motor 11.As a result, current is supplied to motor 11 such that terminal 63 ispositive and terminal 54 is negative, causing motor 11 to turn propeller11a in a direction which produces a forward thrust.

Operation of the left drive motor 11 in the opposite or reversedirection is obtained by releasing switch 39 and depressing switch 40.This establishes a circuit from the positive terminal of battery 51through fuse 52 and arm 55 of switch 40 to motor terminal 54. At thesame time, a circuit is also established from the negative terminal ofbattery 51 through switch 19, potentiometer 18, and arm 62 of switch 40to motor terminal 63. As a result, current is supplied to motor 11 suchthat terminal 54 is positive and terminal 63 is negative, causing themotor to drive the propeller 11a in a direction which produces a reversedirection thrust.

The right motor 12 is similarly controlled by motor control switches 38and 41. To urge the boat in a right turn, the right motor is operated ina forward direction by depressing switch 38. This establishes a circuitfrom the positive terminal of battery 51 through fuse 52, arm 58 ofswitch 41, and arm 60 of switch 38 to the input terminal 61 of drivemotor 12. At the same time, a circuit is also established from thenegative terminal of battery 51 through switch 19, potentiometer 18, arm65 of switch 41 and arm 66 of switch 38 to the input terminal 59 ofdrive motor 12. As a result, current is supplied to drive motor 12 suchthat terminal 61 is positive and terminal 59 is negative, causing motor12 to drive propeller 12a in a direction which produces a forwardthrust.

Operation of the right drive motor 12 in the opposite or reversedirection is obtained by releasing switch 38 and depressing switch 41.This establishes a circuit from the positive terminal of battery 51through fuse 52 and arm 58 of switch 41 to motor terminal 59. At thesame time, a circuit is also established from the negative terminal ofbattery 51 through switch 19, potentiometer 18, and arm 65 of switch 41to motor terminal 61. As a result, current is supplied to motor 12 suchthat terminal 59 is positive and terminal 61 is negative causing themotor to drive propeller 12a in a direction which produces a reversethrust.

It will be appreciated that more effective control of the boat can beobtained by operating the motors simultaneously in the same or oppositedirections depending on the maneuver to be performed. For example, todrive the boat straight ahead motors 11 and 12 can be operated in theforward direction by simultaneously depressing switches 38 and 39. Tooperate the boat in the reverse direction, both motors can be operatedin the reverse direction by simultaneously depressing switches 40 and41.

To turn the boat to the left, switch 38 is depressed to operate motor 12in the forward direction. To turn the boat hard left, switch 40 is alsodepressed causing motor 11 to simultaneously operate in a reversedirection. Similarly, to turn the boat to the right, switch 39 isdepressed to operate drive motor 11 in the forward direction. To turnthe boat hard right, switch 41 is also depressed causing motor 12 tosimultaneously operate in a reverse direction.

To achieve a preset trolling speed, potentiometer 18 is switched inseries with the motors by positioning mode selector switch 19 to thePRESET position, and the arm of the potentiometer is adjusted for thedesired speed. When it is desired to speed up the boat, as when movingfrom one fishing spot to another, it is merely necessary to position theselector switch 19 to its FAST position to bypass potentiometer 18causing the full output of battery 51 to be applied to the motors thenselected by foot switches 38, 39, and 41.

While circuitry has been shown wherein the current supplied to motors 11and 12 is controlled by switches 38, 39, 40 and 41 having contactsserially connected between the motors and battery 51, it will beappreciated that relay circuitry could also be utilized for thispurpose. That is, switching of the current supplied to the motors couldbe accomplished by relay contacts contained in control unit 16 or in aseparate enclosure and the actuation of the relays could be controlledby user-actuable switches. This would have the advantage of avoiding theneed for the control switches to carry the relatively high currentrequired by the motors. Instead, the motor current would be carried byheavy duty relay contacts and only the relatively small current requiredby the relay coils would be carried by the control switches. It isfurther contemplated that instead of relays solid state switchingcircuitry could be employed. In such cases series-connected transistorscould be employed for controlling current to the motors, or appropriateSCR or triac switching devices could be employed in conjunction with abattery-powered inverter current source.

In the system shown in FIG. 9, it is contemplated that drive motors 11and 12 and battery 51 be connected to control unit 16 by means offlexible cables of appropriate length. Suitable connectors may beprovided where these cables enter the control unit to facilitatedisconnecting the motors and battery when necessary. It will beappreciated that while a single battery 51 is shown for operating thetwo motors 11 and 12, it would be possible to utilize one or moreadditional batteries connected in either series or parallel to obtain adesired current and voltage rating for operating the motors. In thiscase, additional circuitry could be provided within control unit 16 forselecting the batteries to either a series or parallel combination,either to achieve additional speed control, or to enable operatorselection of a fresh battery should one battery become exhausted. Also,charging circuitry could be included in the control box, operable eitherfrom an alternating current land-based source, or from anotherelectrical source contained on the boat, e.g. the output of an inboardor outboard gasoline-powered engine, to accomplish recharging of battery51.

Drive motors 11 and 12 in the illustrated circuit are conventionalreversible DC motors providing full speed output with an applied voltageequal to the battery voltage, typically in the order of 6, 12 and 24volts. Drive motors having other voltage ratings, however, may beprovided with a suitably rated battery or combination of batteries.

Referring to FIG. 10, a conventional bass fishing boat 45 is depictedshowing the motors 11 and 12 are mounted to the forward or prow sectionof the boat in a manner which affords complete clearance along each ofthe port and starboard sides of the boat 45. As shown, the control unit16 has been positioned adjacent the middle of the boat with the storagebattery shown in phantom and positioned adjacent thereto. If desired,however, the dual motor assembly could be located along the port side ofthe boat as depicted in phantom with the respective motors beingdesignated by the reference numerals 11' and 12', or at the stern of theboat as likewise shown in phantom with the respective motors beingdesignated by the reference numerals 11" and 12". Accordingly, unlikeheretofore available prior art dual motor systems, the dual motor systemof the present invention enables the operator to selectively locate themotors at any desired location on the boat without sacrificing steeringcontrol and, at the same time, minimize interference with the operator'suse of desired fishing locations on the boat such as, for example, theport and starboard sides thereof.

FIG. 11 illustrates a modified embodiment of the present inventionwherein the reversible electric motors 11 and 12 are respectivelyfixedly secured to the lower ends of motor support shafts 71 and 72which, in turn, have their upper ends secured to a V-shaped clamp 73.End portions of V-shaped clamp 73 are respectively provided with a pairof bores which are sized to receive the upper ends of the shafts 71 and72. A pair of shaft locking set screw retainers 76 and 77 respectivelyserve to lock the shaft 71 and 72 in the respective bores through whichthey pass so as to assure that the motors 11 and 12 are retained in afixed angular relationship to each other in accordance with the presentinvention. Power to the electric motors 11 and 12 is supplied through apair of flexible leads 78 and 79 which respectively pass through hollowcores in the shafts 71 and 72. As shown, clamp 73 includes a centralportion 80 which is adapted to receive a mounting shaft 81 which, is aknown manner, can be either directly received within a mounting bore inthe boat itself or connected to conventional clamp means for securingthe assembly to a boat at a desired location.

A yet further embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 12.In this regard, it will be noted that the FIG. 12 embodiment is similarto that shown and described in conjunction with FIG. 11 in that itlikewise includes dual shafts 83 and 84 which are respectively fixed attheir lower ends to the motors 11 and 12. Shafts 83 and 84 aremaintained in fixed spaced apart relationship to each other by atriangular clamp 85 having bores 86 and 87 which respectively receivethe shafts 83 and 84. A pair of set screw type retainers 88 and 89respectively serve to lock the shafts 83 and 84 in fixed position witheach other and to prevent rotation thereto so as to assure that themotors 11 and 12 are maintained in fixed angular relationship with eachother in accordance with an important aspect of this invention. Amounting shaft 90 snugly received in a bore 91 of triangular clamp 85and locked in fixed axial and rotational position therein by means of aset screw type retainer 92 enables the assembly to be directly mountedto a fishing boat in a suitable manner which will be apparent to thoseskilled in this art.

FIGS. 13 and 14 depict a modified control unit in the form of a mat orcarpet-type unit 93 in which the respective foot switches 38, 39, 40 and41 are preferably located below a suitable protective covering 94 (seeFIG. 14). With the unit 93, depression of the portion of the protectivecovering 94 which overlies the desired foot switch results in thatswitch being actuated to produce the desired thrust from one or both ofelectric motors 11 and 12. As depicted in FIG. 14, this unit can beconstructed with a suitable base 95 having a central core portiontherein adapted to receive the appropriate circuitry and with a suitablespacer member 97 having suitable bores 98 formed therein to receive therespective switches, such as is shown with switch 41. As such, it willbe readily apparent that the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 offersmany of the advantages of the control unit 16 previously described andnone of the previously described disadvantages of the prior art electricmotor steering devices.

While in the foregoing specification various embodiments of the presentinvention have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled inthis art that modifications and variations therefrom may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of this invention. Accordingly, thesubject invention is to be limited only by the scope of the appendedclaims.

I claim:
 1. A propulsion and steering control system for a fishing boat,comprising: first and second reversible electric motors adapted to bemounted to a fishing boat in a fixed angular relationship to each other,each of said electric motors including a propeller which can beselectively driven about an axis of rotation in a clockwise direction toproduce a thrust in a first direction or in a counterclockwise directionto produce a thrust in a second direction opposite to said firstdirection, said fixed angular relationship between said electric motorsbeing defined by and between the axes of rotation of the propellers ofsaid first and second electric motors as an angle of from approximately30° to 120°; and, control means operatively connected to each of saidfirst and second motors to selectively and independently produce thrustin said first or second direction with one or both of said motors so asto achieve desired propulsion and steering effect upon a fishing boatequipped with said system while maintaining said motors in said fixedangular relationship to each other and without requiring movement ofeither of said motors, said control means including a switch assemblywhich includes at least four foot-actuated switches, two of which areoperatively connected to said first motor and which respectively, whenactivated, produce a thrust in said first or second direction with saidfirst motor and the remaining two of which are likewise operativelyconnected to said second motor and which, when activated, respectivelyproduce a thrust in said first or second direction with said secondmotor.
 2. The propulsion and steering control system of claim 1 whereinsaid control means comprises a control circuit, said control circuitincluding a first operating mode and a second operating mode, said firstoperating mode being adapted to drive one or both of said electricmotors at a selectively variable operator preset reduced speed, saidsecond operating mode being adapted to drive one or both of said motorsat a fixed maximum speed, and a switch for enabling an operator toselectively utilize said first or second operating mode.
 3. Thepropulsion and steering control system of claim 1 wherein said controlmeans includes a pivotally mounted plate which is operatively associatedwith said switch assembly in a manner by which an operator canselectively actuate not more than two of said four switches.
 4. Thepropulsion and steering control system of claim 1 wherein said controlmeans comprises a plate member which is pivotally mounted to a base topermit rocking thereof about a pivot point in a fore or aft direction aswell as a right or left direction, all of said four switches beingpositioned below said plate, two of said four switches being locatedforwardly of said pivot point and respectively on the right and leftsides thereof and the other two of said switches located rearwardly andrespectively on the right and left sides of said pivot point, whereby anoperator can selectively activate one or both of said switches locatedforwardly of said pivot point, one or both of said switches locatedrearwardly of said pivot point, one or both fore and aft switches on theleft of said pivot point, or one or both of said fore and aft switcheslocated on the right of said pivot point.
 5. A propulsion and steeringcontrol system for a fishing boat comprising: a motor support bracketadapted to be mounted to a fishing boat; first and second reversibleelectric motors mounted to said motor support bracket in a fixed angularrelationship to each other and in a fixed relationship with said motorsupport bracket, each of said electric motors including a propellerwhich can be selectively driven about an axis in a clockwise directionto produce a thrust in a first direction or in a counterclockwisedirection to produce a thrust in a second direction opposite to saidfirst direction, said fixed angular relationship between said electricmotors being defined by and between the axes of rotation of thepropellers of said first and second electric motors as an angle of fromapproximately 30° to 120°; and, control means operatively connected toeach of said first and second motors to selectively and independentlyproduce thrust in said first or second direction with one or both ofsaid motors so as to achieve a desired propulsion and steering effectupon a fishing boat equipped with said system while maintaining saidmotors in said fixed angular relationship to each other and withoutrotation of said motor support bracket, said control means including aswitch assembly which includes at least four foot-actuated switches, twoof which are operatively connected to said first motor and whichrespectively, when activated, produce a thrust in said first or seconddirection with said first motor and the remaining two of which arelikewise operatively connected to said second motor and which, whenactivated, respectively produce a thrust in said first or seconddirection with said second motor.
 6. The propulsion and steering controlsystem of claim 5 wherein said control means comprises a controlcircuit, said control circuit including a first operating mode and asecond operating mode, said first operating mode being adapted to driveone or both of said electric motors at a selectively variable operatorpreset reduced speed, said second operating mode being adapted to driveone or both of said motors at a fixed maximum speed, and a switch forenabling an operator to selectively utilize said first or secondoperating mode.
 7. The propulsion and steering system of claim 5 whereinsaid motor support bracket comprises: a shaft; a spacer block at one endof said shaft to which said first and second motors are mounted in saidfixed angular relationship to each other; and means for selectivelypositioning said shaft in a non-service position wherein said motors canbe removed from the water and in a service position wherein said motorscan be submerged below the water surface.
 8. The propulsion and steeringcontrol system of claim 5 wherein said motor support bracket comprises:a clamp; a pair of shafts each having one end fixed to said clamp and anopposite end fixed to one of said motors whereby said clamp and shaftscooperate to maintain said first and second electric motors in saidfixed angular relationship to each other; and means for selectivelypositioning said shafts in a non-service position in which said motorsare out of the water and in a service position in which said motors aresubmerged below the water surface.
 9. The propulsion and steeringcontrol system of claim 5 wherein said control means comprises a platepivotally mounted to a base and operatively associated with said switchassembly in a manner by which an operator can selectively actuate notmore than two of said switches.
 10. The propulsion and steering controlsystem of claim 5 wherein said switch assembly comprises a plate memberpivotally mounted to a base and rockable about a pivot point in a foreor aft direction as well as a right or left direction, all of saidswitches being positioned on said base and below said plate with two ofsaid four switches being located forwardly of said pivot point andrespectively to the right and left thereof, and the other two of saidswitches being located rearwardly of said pivot point and respectivelyto the right and left thereof, whereby an operator can selectivelyactivate one or both of said switches located forwardly of said pivotpoint, one or both of said switches located rearwardly of said pivotpoint, one or both of said fore and aft switches to the left of saidpivot point, or one or both of said fore and aft switches to the rightof said pivot point.
 11. A propulsion and steering control system forfishing boats comprising: a motor support bracket mounted to said boat;first and second reversible electric motors mounted to said motorsupport clamp in a fixed angular relationship to each other and in afixed relationship with said motor support clamp, each of said electricmotors including a propeller which can be selectively driven about anaxis in a clockwise direction to produce a thrust in a first directionand in a counterclockwise direction to produce a thrust in a seconddirection opposite to said first direction, said fixed angularrelationship between said electric motors being defined by and betweenthe axes of rotation of the propellers of said first and second electricmotors as an angle of from approximately 30° to 120°; control means forindependently driving each of said motors to selectively produce thrustin said first or second direction, said control means including at leastfour separate four-actuated switches which are operatively connected tosaid first and second electric motors to selectively and independentlyenable an operator to produce first or second direction thrust with eachof said motors, said motor support bracket including a clamp, a pair ofshafts each having one end fixed to said clamp and an opposite end toone of said motors, said clamp and shafts cooperating to maintain saidfirst and second motors in said fixed angular relationship to eachother, and means for selectively positioning said shaft in a non-serviceposition in which said motors are positioned out of the water and in aservice position in which said motors are below the water surface. 12.The propulsion and steering control system of claim 11 wherein saidcontrol means comprises a control circuit, said control circuitincluding a first operating mode and a second operating mode, said firstoperating mode being adapted to drive one or both of said electricmotors at a selectively variable operator preset reduced speed, saidsecond operating mode being adapted to drive one or both of said motorsat a fixed maximum speed, and a switch for enabling an operator toselectively utilize said first or second operating mode.
 13. Thepropulsion and steering control system of claim 11 wherein said controlmeans comprises a pivotally mounted plate operatively associated withsaid four separate switches in a manner by which an operator canselectively activate not more than two of said switches.
 14. Thepropulsion and steering control system of claim 13 wherein said switchassembly comprises a plate member supported on a base at a generallycentrally located pivot point about which said plate can be rocked in afore or aft direction as well as a right or left direction, all of fourswitches being positioned below said plate with two of said fourswitches being located forwardly of said pivot point and respectively onthe right and left sides thereof and the other two of said switchesbeing located rearwardly of said pivot point and respectively located onthe right and left sides thereof, whereby an operator can selectively,by rocking of said pivot plate, activate one or both of said switcheslocated forwardly of said pivot point, one or both of said switcheslocated rearwardly of said pivot point, one or both of said fore and aftswitches located to the left of said pivot point, or one or both of saidfore and aft switches located to the right of said pivot point.
 15. In apropulsion and steering control system of the type wherein a pair ofreversible electric motors each of which includes a propeller areselectively and independently regulated by control means to produce aforward or reverse thrust therewith, the improvement wherein saidcontrol means comprises a switch assembly which includes at least fourfoot-actuated switches, two of which are operatively connected to afirst of said pair of electric motors and which, when respectivelyactivated, selectively produce a forward or reverse thrust with saidfirst motor, and the remaining two of which are likewise operativelyconnected to the second of said pair of electric motors and which, whenrespectively activated, selectively produce a forward or reverse thrustwith said second motor.
 16. The improvement of claim 15 wherein saidcontrol means comprises a plate member which is pivotally mounted to abase to permit rocking thereof about a pivot point in a fore or aftdirection as well as a right or left direction, all of said fourswitches being positioned below said plate, with two of said fourswitches being located forwardly of said pivot point and respectively tothe right and left thereof, and the other two of said switches beinglocated rearwardly of said pivot point and respectively on the right andleft thereof, whereby an operator can selectively activate one or bothof said switches located forwardly of said pivot point, one or both ofsaid switches located rearwardly of said pivot point, one or both ofsaid fore and aft switches to the left of said pivot point, or one orboth of said fore and aft switches to the right of said pivot point. 17.In a propulsion and steering control system of the type wherein a pairof reversible electric motors each of which includes a propeller areselectively and independently regulated by control means to produce aforward or reverse thrust therewith, the improvement wherein said pairof electric motors are mounted to a common motor support in a fixedangular relationship to each other of from aproximately 30° to 120° asdefined between the axes of rotation of the respective propellersthereof and said control means includes a switch assembly which has atleast four foot-actuated switches, two of which are operativelyconnected to a first of said pair of reversible electric motors andwhich, when respectively activated, selectively produce a thrust in aforward or reverse direction with said first motor, and the remainingtwo of which are likewise operatively connected to a second of said pairreversible electric motors and which, when respectively activated,selectively produce a thrust in a forward or reverse direction with saidsecond motor.
 18. The improvement of claim 17 wherein said control meanscomprises a plate member pivotally mounted to a base and rockable abouta pivot point in a fore or aft direction as well as a right or leftdirection, all of said switches being positioned on said base and belowsaid plate with two of said four switches being located forwardly ofsaid pivot point and respectively to the right and left thereof, and theother two of said switches being located rearwardly of said pivot pointand respectively to the right and left thereof, whereby an operator canselectively activate one or both of said switches located forwardly ofsaid pivot point, one or both of said switches located rearwardly ofsaid pivot point, one or both of said fore and aft switches to the leftof said pivot point, or one or both of said fore and aft switches to theright of said pivot point.
 19. The improvement of claim 17 wherein saidcontrol means includes a control circuit, said control circuit includinga first operating mode and a second operating mode, said first operatingmode being adapted to drive one or both of said electric motors at aselectively variable operator preset reduced speed, said secondoperating mode being adapted to drive one or both of said motors at afixed maximum speed, and a switch enabling an an operator to selectivelyutilize said first or second operating mode.
 20. The improvement ofclaim 17 wherein said fixed angular relationship between the axes ofrotation of the respective propellers of said pair of reversibleelectric motors is approximately 60°.